Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Winner of George Hedley Memorial Award revealed
“I was completely overwhelmed to hear that I had been nominated for this award – it will be a huge honour to receive it” – Fiona Lovatt.
Fiona Lovatt receives award for contribution to UK sheep industry.

Veterinary surgeon Fiona Lovatt is the recipient of this year’s National Sheep Association (NSA) George Hedley Memorial Award.

The award has been made in recognition of her contribution to the UK sheep industry and promotion of good practice principles.

Dr Lovatt is the founder of the Flock Health Club concept, which helps veterinary surgeons to engage with farmers about preventative measures and responsible medicine use. She also established the Farm Vet Champions scheme at RCVS Knowledge to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

As well as representing the sheep industry as a member of the RUMA Target Task Force, Dr Lovatt is a clinical associate professor at the University of Nottingham and a former president of the Sheep Veterinary Society.

The George Hedley Memorial Award has been awarded annually since 1960. Dr Lovatt will be formally presented with the award at the NSA Sheep Event dinner on 29 July, 2024.

NSA South East Region chair Yann Le Du, who nominated Dr Lovatt for the award, said: “The Flock Health Club concept has revolutionised sheep farmer and vet engagement. For this reason, amongst many others, Fiona is held in high esteem in the sheep industry and is fully justified in being awarded with this prestigious title.”

Dr Lovatt said: “I was completely overwhelmed to hear that I had been nominated for this award – it will be a huge honour to receive it.”

Image © National Sheep Association

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.